A Modern Classic Gangster Movie Airing on TV Tonight
Tonight's TV movie pick for 8 November is Gangs of New York, the period gangster epic directed by Martin Scorsese, known for Goodfellas and The Departed. The film is adapted from Herbert Asbury’s 1927 non-fiction book The Gangs of New York.
Cast and Storyline
The 2002 movie features a star-studded ensemble including Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio, alongside Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Graham.
The narrative centers on Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), an orphaned Irish-American in 19th century New York. He returns to the Five Points district seeking revenge on William ‘Bill the Butcher’ Cutting (Day-Lewis), the powerful anti-immigrant gang leader who killed his father (Neeson).
“Vallon knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle. Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860s New York.”
Production Challenges
Gangs of New York was a long-standing passion project for Scorsese but faced a difficult production, going over schedule and budget. Additionally, producer Harvey Weinstein reportedly demanded cuts, and there are rumors of a longer, unreleased version that may better reflect Scorsese’s original vision.
Author’s Summary
This sweeping historical gangster film combines rich storytelling and strong performances, reflecting both a complex production history and Scorsese’s deep passion for the project.